Karthigai Deepam: Lighting Up Tradition in Tamil Nadu

The Karthigai Deepam festival at the Sri Arunachaleshwar temple began with flag hoisting. The event, drawing millions to the Annamalai hills, offers enhanced amenities and strict security measures. Highlights include temple car and float festivals, and special darshan timings at the Agni Sthalam.

The revered Karthigai Deepam festival at the Sri Arunachaleshwar temple commenced on Monday. The grand affair opened with the traditional temple flag hoisting, marking the start of this significant ten-day event.

This year, an estimated 4 million devotees are expected to gather, with the district administration ensuring enhanced amenities and strict security measures to accommodate the influx. The main attraction, the maha deepam, is set to be lit atop Annamalai hills, drawing in scores of worshippers on December 3.

Additional highlights include the temple car festival slated for November 30 and a grand float festival from December 4 to 6. Special full moon darshan will also be available from December 4 evening to the following dawn at the Arunachaleswarar temple, a sacred site known as the Agni Sthalam among the Panchabhootha Sthalams.

(With inputs from agencies.)